The disruption of the planned rotation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on February 12, according to information from the Russian Ministry of Defense, occurred due to deliberate actions by Ukrainian military forces. This was stated in an official statement released by the ministry.
To support its claims, the Ministry of Defense released a video showing the use of strike drones and artillery by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (UAF) against a convoy carrying IAEA representatives. According to the Russian side, Ukrainian forces carried out at least 12 artillery strikes on the convoy, which was escorted by a working group from the Russian Ministry of Defense tasked with ensuring the safety of the experts. As a result of the shelling, the vehicles sustained significant damage.
The ministry emphasized that Russia fully fulfilled its obligations to ensure security and establish a «ceasefire regime» in the area where the operation to replace inspectors was taking place.
Earlier, Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, also noted that this was not the first time the Ukrainian side had disrupted the rotation attempt. The event was initially scheduled for February 5 but was postponed until February 12 due to provocations from Ukraine. However, even on the new date, the movement of experts was blocked by actions taken by the UAF.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed concern over the threats to the safety of the organization’s staff. He stressed that the work of personnel at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is critically important for preventing a potential nuclear disaster, despite the challenging conditions under which the experts have to operate.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA:
«Despite receiving written guarantees from both sides that the rotation could be conducted safely, the situation proved too dangerous to continue the operation, and the mission was aborted.»
The IAEA staff at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is performing vital work to prevent a nuclear accident.
«It is unacceptable for the safety of our employees to be put at risk,» Grossi emphasized.
The agency director also noted that he continues to hold active negotiations with both the Russian and Ukrainian sides. The goal of these dialogues is to create conditions that will allow experts to carry out their duties at the Zaporizhzhia NPP without risking their lives or health.
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